Apostille Marriage Certificate Costa Rica

Civil marriage for foreign nationals in Costa Rica is both a legal act and a deeply meaningful ceremony. At AristaLegal, we are dedicated to formalizing your union with precision and professionalism, ensuring its validity both in Costa Rica and internationally.
Our team of family law specialists will guide you through every step of the process, guaranteeing compliance with all legal requirements for a solid union free of future complications.

We handle all necessary documents, including certificates of singleness from the country of origin, civil status certificates for foreigners in Costa Rica, birth certificates, sworn declarations, marriage edicts, and prenuptial agreements, if required.

Requirements for Marriage of Foreigners

Minimum Age: Both parties must be at least 18 years old.
Marital Status: Must be single, divorced, or widowed, with no existing marital ties.
Valid Passports: Complete copies of both parties’ passports.
Certificates of Singleness: Issued in the respective countries of origin.
Sworn Declarations: Prepared by AristaLegal notaries, indicating civil status and personal information.
Witnesses: Two adult witnesses with valid identification.
Legal Capacity: Both parties must be of sound mind to provide their consent.

Marriage Between a Costa Rican National and a Foreigner

Procedure:

Publication of Marriage Edict: Drafting and publishing the edict, with an 8-day waiting period.
Application and Procedures with TSE: Submission of required documents, including passports, certificates, and sworn declarations.
Civil Ceremony: Conducted by a notary public attorney at AristaLegal offices in San José or Guanacaste, or at a location of the couple’s choosing.
Registration of the Marriage: The notary registers the marriage with the Costa Rican Civil Registry.
International Legalization: Coordination of the marriage certificate’s apostille for validity in both parties’ countries of origin.

Important Considerations:

Equal Marriage: Since May 2020, Costa Rica legally recognizes same-sex marriage, guaranteeing the right to equality and family protection for all individuals, regardless of gender. This milestone in human rights allows same-sex couples to celebrate their civil union with full legal validity and recognition, enjoying the same rights and obligations as any other marriage in the country.
International Validity: Marriages performed in Costa Rica are internationally recognized, provided legalization procedures are followed.
Legal Impediments: Marriage is prohibited between individuals with direct kinship, such as parents, children, or siblings.

Start Your Marriage Process with AristaLegal

At AristaLegal, we manage all necessary procedures to ensure your civil marriage in Costa Rica complies with the law and is recognized nationally and internationally. Our professional team provides personalized guidance at every step, guaranteeing a smooth and worry-free experience.

Prenuptial Agreements

At AristaLegal, we provide comprehensive guidance for drafting and formalizing prenuptial agreements—legal arrangements that couples can establish before or during marriage to define the management and distribution of their current and future assets. We ensure that every agreement meets all legal requirements and accurately reflects the intentions of both parties.

Benefits of Prenuptial Agreements:

Asset Protection:Allow each spouse to maintain individual ownership of certain assets, preventing their inclusion in the marital property.
Financial Clarity:Clearly define how assets and liabilities will be managed during the marriage, reducing the potential for future conflicts.
Flexibility:Couples can tailor the agreement to their specific needs, including clauses on asset management, income distribution, and financial responsibilities.

By choosing our legal solutions, you secure clear and organized asset management, protecting the interests of both spouses and fostering mutual trust in your relationship.